Netzikon builds infrastructure for 'Internet of Things'

Frankfurt am Main / Backnang, 21 July, 2016. Netzikon builds and operates a highly efficient and resource-saving IoT radio network in Germany. This network allows the connection of intelligent sensors and devices to the 'Internet of Things'. Network launch has already taken place in selected metropolitan areas.

The Internet of Things (IoT) intelligently interconnects "objects". Thus, these become intelligent objects capable of exchanging information online and independently, controlling each other and triggering certain actions. According to forecasts, billions of sensors, actuators and terminal devices will be interconnected in the near future. A bottleneck factor will be power consumption. However, this problem can be tackled by means of so-called Low Power Networks (LPWAN). These are appropriate to interconnect autonomous devices exchanging low data volumes and therefore requiring low power consumption.

Netzikon, a subsidiary of the network specialist telent sets up and operates a full-coverage Low Power Network in Germany based on the LoRa™ technology standard.

This network is designed to connect a very high number of terminal devices at low power consumption. The network infrastructure allows the efficient implementation of Smart-City solutions, Machine-to-Machine connectivity and new digital applications, e.g. in the agriculture and environment protection, in order to profit from the high potential of the 'Internet of Things'.

A first application is already in operation. In the area of Thuringia, lightning strikes hitting the rotor blades of wind power plants are being monitored. All data collected by sensors are transported via the LoRa network and sent to an IoT platform. Thus, the wind farm operator can identify potential damages more quickly and ensure the safety and reliability of wind power plants.

High energy efficiency and network availabilityThe Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) is extremely energy efficient simultaneously offering very high network coverage.The bandwidth transmitted is sufficient to send information at low power consumption and save network costs. Depending on the application, the terminal devices can be operated up to 15 years with a battery-driven power supply.Bidirectional data transmission offers the advantage of an extended range of applications of the LoRa™ technology. Both the acquisition of data and active control via the LoRa™ network are thus possible without problems.

Even in case of hard-to-reach objects, sensors can communicate via the network. The good penetration of buildings represents a major advantage of the Low Power Network technology. Thus, network availability is possible even in underground rooms permitting - for example - the reliable reading of electricity and water meters.

Cloud-ready IoT infrastructure based on LoRa™ technologyIn addition to a cost-efficient mapping of business processes, the standardized cloud-ready interfaces of the LoRa™ infrastructure permit both the integration of existing applications into the infrastructure and the design of new business models.

Security as integral part of the networkSecurity is an important issue for the success of the 'Internet of Things'. The LoRa™ standard provides a double encryption of data transmission. The LoRa™ network thus offers the highest security standard among Low Power WAN infrastructures.Smart-City conceptThe application scenarios of this technology are virtually unlimited: Within the framework of a Smart-City concept, Netzikon will offer solutions, e.g. for remote reading of meters, acquisition of environmental data, streetlight control, smart parking systems or intelligent supply and disposal solutions. Even completely new applications which can only be realized in a cloud-capable IoT platform by combining various techniques and sensors are part of the concept.

This network technology will provide unexpected and attractive solutions for many areas in the industry, trade, logistics and for intelligent cities.

LoRa™ - The Low Power Network for IoTThe Netzikon Low Power Network is based on the open LoRa™ standard which has been developed by semtech, a chip manufacturer, and specified by the non-profit organization called LoRa Alliance. During the development of this standard, high value was placed on a network with low power consumption, small bandwidths ensuring both high reliability and securely encrypted communication. In addition, the network has extremely low radiation levels and can be set up even in sensitive and critical environments.